Learn to Code with Grasshopper

Ever wanted to learn how to code but found it too difficult or maybe you didn’t know where to begin? Well now you can throw all those excuses away with Google’s new Grasshopper. With Grasshopper, Google allows novices to learn how to code. Recently Google even made Grasshopper available as a desktop app to better reach those novices who preferred a desktop to work on. Grasshopper was initially released back in 2018 as a mobile app. Since then millions have downloaded it on both compatible platforms of Android and iOS. With a larger screen space to work on, learning to code with grasshopper becomes easier and that’s what you can do now with grasshopper for desktop.

Googles whole Grasshopper initiative:

Grasshopper was created by Google back in 2018 to allow people access to coding education and also to give people a head start in career opportunities dealing with coding. Initially Grasshopper was started on mobile phones and millions have accessed it through that. But to reach a more wider audience, aka those who prefer larger screens, Google decided to bring Grasshopper to the desktop as well.

Since its initial release, more than 2 million people have installed grasshopper. These include but are not limited to those who have no coding experience at all. Grasshopper is aimed at those who need to know what the nut and bolts of coding are before they go on to more ambitious projects.

Google already provides a number of tech education tools and grasshopper is the latest to join this group. Besides grasshopper, there are also other tools to help you learn coding, not all by Google of course.

Learn to code with Grasshopper on a desktop PC:

Having a larger screen and a keyboard at your disposal makes learning to code much easier. Google capitalized on that fact and started Grasshopper for desktops now too. Now with the desktop app available Google is able to fit in columns for instructions, results, code- editors all side by side.

Google has also added more classes to its Grasshopper school- in addition to learning the basics you will also be able to learn how to use a code editor and a more advanced- how to make your own webpages. These classes will teach you more about CSS, HTML and Java Script.

Why is using a Code Editor a Separate Class?

In the first few classes which are more about the basics, you just learn how to create a few snippets of code and how to put them in the right order. But to learn how to create something from scratch you now have a new class- using a code editor.

What do you get after you learn to code with Grasshopper?

At the end of your course with Grasshopper you’ll be able to build a simple webpage. Besides that you will have your fundamentals down to learn the more advanced stuff. Once you have the background down you can then take on further courses on other platforms such as codecademy.

Best Live TV streaming Services

This is now the age of Best Live TV streaming Services, the most famous of them being; you guessed it- Netflix. But besides Netflix, there are still a lot of options out there that give you great content. When most of us these days cut the cord or wire, as you please, we’re doing so to get better content at more affordable prices. But the best part is none of these things. With wireless streaming, you can watch what you want when you want, that is the beauty of streaming. Many companies are too now seeing big bucks in streaming and want to get on the streaming bandwagon too. The most notable of the lot is Apple and Disney.

The only downside to cutting the cord is that you don’t have the flexibility of surfing channels anymore. There are, however, apps that let you surf through them to get to what you most want to watch, but yeah! They’re more expensive than Netflix. But they are still cheaper than cable TV. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best live TV streaming services you could use as an option to actual cable TV. So without further ado, let’s get started….

Go Live with Hulu + Live TV as one of the best Live TV Streaming Services:

Hulu is one of the best live streaming services to date. It has a leg up over its competition when it comes to this stuff as well as watching shows on demand. This has been something many live streamers don’t offer. Hulu also has one of the best libraries of channels in town. Although, there are other live streamers such as YouTube with its premium offering. It still does not have what is necessary to overthrow Hulu when it comes to the entertainment department. Hulu + Live TV is also one of the cheapest options out there coming in at $45 a month.


If you prefer to go ad-free when it comes to on-demand shows, then you can get those ads removed, all for a fee, of course. If you’re a sports fan, however, you may want to give Hulu a skip as it does not come with NFL Network, NBA TV, or MLB. Hulu is compatible with most OS devices, that is including iOS, Android, Windows, Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.

The Next Best Live TV Streaming Service- YouTube:

YouTube is the next best on our list as it is easy to use and has three simultaneous streams that you could use without spending a lot. What’s more, is that up to 6 people can have sub-accounts too, it’s a family plan kinda a thing. Yeah, there maybe one or two channels not present on YouTube, but which live streaming TV service has all the channels in the first place, right?

YouTube as a Live streaming service is compatible with most platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows, Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, macOS, PS3, and Vizio Smart TVs. Some of the notable absent channels are- A&E, History, Comedy Central, Lifetime, NFL Networks and Nickelodeon. This live TV streaming service is slightly more than Hulu and will cost you around $50 a month.

Sony PS Vue is another good bet when it comes to Live TV Streaming Services:

PS Vue or PlayStation Vue is a great live TV streaming service for those having one of those gaming consoles lying around. PS Vue is designed to work with only a limited audience- that is to PS3 and PS4 owners. Even so, it still is one of the best live TV streaming services to own. It has some of the best channels available. Plus, if you’re a PS3 or PS4 owner, you can get it easy enough- by simply downloading the App from your PS whatever.

But PS Vue is not limited to only PS3 or 4 but you can also get it on other devices as well. PS Vue also comes with a good collection of sports channels that other streaming services are sorely missing out on. You can also get up to 5 simultaneous streams with PS Vue, which means that up to 5 people can use it on one account, The Family Plan, again.

It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Chromecast, Apple TV, PS4, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and macOS. A&E, History, Comedy Central, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, and MTV are some of the more notable absents from the list. To get PS Vue, it will cost you around $50 a month.

No Family plan with this one- Sling TV:

One of the longest-running live streaming services out there today and one of the most versatile ones too is Sling TV. Plus, it’s cheap, coming in at $25 a month. The downside, however, is that there is no family account or simultaneous streaming.

Also, its list of channels is a tad confusing. It is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox One, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and macOS. Some of the absents are- ABC, CBS, Fox News, Animal Planet, MLB Network, and Nickelodeon. You already know what it costs.

Some other Options For Your Perusal:

Philio TV- This is the cheapest of all our live TV streaming options. It has 58 channels and is available across most platforms. The negative is that its user interface isn’t as easy to use as YouTube and Hulu Live TV. If Not Streaming, then the alternative- Digital Antenna- If not for streaming, you can also check out the digital antenna idea.

You can get most major networks on air for free, too, like ABC Fox, CBS, and NBC. To give you some options in this arena, there is WinegardFL5500A. This digital antenna has a 50-mile range and is the best quality antenna out there. You can place it at a window, too; there is no need for a rooftop install.

Surface Duo: Not another Microsoft Phone

Microsoft is all set to give it another go in the phone arena. This time, not with its own OS. At the recent launch of the Surface Duo, Microsoft surprised everyone, not with it coming after two years back into the phone game, but with android being the OS in its new phone. The new Surface Duo will apparently have two screens, featuring Android on both of them, that folds together with the help of hinges.

When can you get your Hands on the New Surface Duo?

The new Phone will be available in a whole year from now, on the holidays of 2020. With Microsoft’s foldable phone, it’s renewing its relationship with phones in a genre that is sure to grab people’s attention- the foldable phone market.

You may be forgiven to think that the new Surface Duo would run on the same OS as the dual-screen Surface Neo, launched at the same time. The Surface Neo would run on Windows 10X OS. However, it will not be able to make calls. So it basically makes sense for it not to come with the typical Android OS.

Another thing different with both phones is that the Surface Neo is much bigger than the Surface Duo and comes with a different processor than the Surface Duo. Plus, it also works with a magnetic keyboard, which again is something that the Surface Duo does not have.

Why Android?

After the first Windows phone, Microsoft learned the hard way that people prefer Android phones. Besides that, in a practical sense, it’s also a safer bet as Google knows what’s it’s doing with the OS and in supporting apps on a platform. This is something that Windows knows to do only when it comes to computers and not phones.

Surface Duo Microsoft’s last Stint with phones:

The last Microsoft phone was poised to be one of the top mobiles in the 2000s, but then came along Apple and its more intuitive iOS. That began Microsoft’s steady decline into oblivion. After that, it was one Microsoft phone after the other with none of them doing well, what with Apple’s iPhones and Google’s rapidly gaining Android ground.

Microsoft even took over Nokia’s phone business but couldn’t really stay in the game with Android and iOS. At this Point, Microsoft’s phone’s ambition was all but dead. That is until now.

Although a Windows phone with a Microsoft OS is still a way off, for now, a Windows Phone with Android will do, and who knows this just might be a game-changer.

The Dual screen fad:

At a time when workloads, Netflix binge-watching, or general video watching has increased, the demand for larger screens sizes has increased too. But on the other side of the coin, we all want a phone that we can fit into our purses or pockets. The solution- a foldable screen. With these types of phones, you get the benefit of a larger screen with the ability to carry them around in your pocket.

How to use Google 2 Factor Authentication without Phone

In this modern world, people have to be more careful in securing their account. If not their account will be hacked, and hackers might steal all the sensitive data from them. The Google 2 factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Over the past few years, the profile high jacking cases and cybersecurity cases have increased a lot. Now, the old way of locking down Google is no longer the safest way. If you want to lock down your account, you have to use "Google 2 Factor Authentication" method. This is the special way where you can safeguard your account. Google 2 Factor authentication makes your online accounts and online presence more secure. If you use the old way, then you might get into trouble as hackers are managing to steal traditional passwords with ease. That's the reason why these days, most of the people are moving towards the two-factor authentication method for Google accounts.

Don't know what's Google Two Factor Authentication?

Google 2 Factor Authentication is a simple step which helps you secure your account. Here all you need to do is enter your traditional password and a one-time password which is generated on your phone, tablet to log into your online account. This process can be done either by the form of SMS or Call verification. As you are directly getting the SMS or call to your device, you can stay secure. If anyone tries to access your account, they might not be able to access that because the final password will be in your hands.

Google Authenticator Process:

Usually, Google offers two default ways. The first way is to prompt on your secondary device. The second way is via SMS or call. Although this case is secure, it has a slight defect if you have no access to the SMS or calls then you will not be able to login to your account. In some cases, if your phone is lost means, you cannot log in to your account. If you are worried about those situations means don't worry, in that type of situations, Google's Backup codes can help you out and be the saver of the day.

What is Google Two Factor Authentication Backup Codes:

Google 2 Factor Authentication backup codes are just a string of numbers which are used to authenticate your account whenever you don't have access to your verification codes. Usually, Google generates a total of 10 codes at a time. All you have to do is store those ten authentication codes at a secure location where you can visit. This place depends on your wish and convenience. In case, if you want to have a fresh set of batch numbers, then you can generate the second batch of numbers as well. Now, as you are striving to be protected with Google 2 Factor Authentication without the phone, you can follow the below steps and get your work done.

How to Set Up Google 2 Factor Authentication Backup Codes:

In this post, I'll let you know about how to set up Google 2 Factor Authentication backup codes with ease. Step 1: Quickly Sign into your main Google account and go to the Google 2 Step verification option. Step 2: Once you go to the landing page. Click on the Get Started button which is right at the top of the page. In case, if you have already worked with 2 Factor Authentication, then you'll see the data at the top. Along with these, it will also show you the other Google 2 Factor Authentication ways that already exists in your Google Account. Most of the cases, people will enable Google Prompt and SMS verification rather than backup codes. Step 3: Now, Scroll down to the bottom until you see the option for your Backup codes. When you see that, click on set up and then you will be welcomed with random digits. Step 4: Download all the codes; whenever you tap on the download button, it will download all the codes in a text file. Keep that safely and use when you need to authenticate. If you want a new set of numbers, then click on get New Codes button to refresh the numbers. Now, we have seen how to download the backup codes. Let's check out how to use Google 2 Factor Authentication without Phone.

How to Use Google 2 Factor Authentication without the Phone:

Step1: When you find yourself in a situation where you can't use the SMS verification or Google Prompt? Then you can just log in to your account by trying other methods. At that time, all you have to do is click on Try another Way Button. Step2: Then you find out all the activated methods listed on the page. Now, you need to click on the 8-digit backup codes option. Step 3: Enter one of the eight-digit code in the list which you have downloaded. Then you can easily login into your account with that code. Once you have used this code, Google will strike out that code. You can't use that code again. Next time you can use the other code on the list which you have downloaded. If you're wondering how to backup Google 2 Factor Authentication codes? Then you can check that process below.

How to Backup Google 2 Factor Authentication Codes:

Google Keep:

If you want to store these codes in a safer place? Then you can keep all the codes locked away in the Google Keep file. With this, you can easily enhance your security. As Google keeps will assign a checkbox to each code so that after using you can check off the code.

Password Manager:

Password managers who come with secure vault can help you store these secure backup codes. Like passwords, keys, docs and the more you can save these codes securely in your vault with the help of password manager. Make sure you always safeguard your password managed by keeping a secured master password.

Store them in your vault:

Most of the people love to store their secured information in their physical vault by simply writing them down. These are the three ways to secure your backup codes. If you want to find out more interesting articles and topics? Then you have to check out our other articles.

TikTok Users Now Need to Be Wary of scammers

TikTok has seen a great rise in popularity. Last year alone, TikTok has seen a meteoric rise. It is one of the most downloaded apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

What is TikTok? 

TikTok is video sharing app developed by a Chinese Internet technology company called ByteDance. It is a 15 second video making app and one of the most popular video sharing apps. Initially it was launched in China as Douyin in September 2016. A year later, it was open to the international market under the name of TikTok.

According to a CNN Business report dated June 2019, TikTok has more than one billion monthly active users. With TikTok, users can create and share short videos with special effects.

TikTok has seen a meteoric rise in the Indian market. According to the app analytics firm, Sensor Tower, the app was downloaded more than 240 million times in February alone.

The app is very popular, but many say that the content is inappropriate.

Due to its increasing popularity among the masses, the scammers too are not to be left far behind. They are looking for ways to commit fraudulent transactions. There was a report that was published by a cyber security company called Tenable stating that TikTok is becoming a platform for adult dating scams. The report claims that the scam makes users sign up for an adult dating website.

TikTok as a platform for adult dating websites

The unsuspecting users sign up on the adult dating websites.

The TikTok profiles that are shown in the accounts contain nude pictures and are stolen from other websites. The idea behind this is to increase the likes of the account and increase the popularity of the given profile.

According to Tenable, the fake profiles show up in the ‘For You’ section page. This has been placed there by TikTok, though it is not known how this happens. The scammers force the users to go to Snapchat accounts where there are videos on nudity. Once the users go to Snapchat where they add adult based accounts, they will encounter a Snapchat story. This will show videos of an unknown person either being sexually suggestive or showing nudity. There will be an emoji or a sticker that will cover the explicit portion of the video.

From the Snapchat account, the unsuspecting user will be directed to adult dating websites. The user will be asked their age and then be directed to a sign in page. After filling in their information, the user will be directed to the actual adult dating website. Here again, they will need to fill the sign up page.

The scammers benefit by generating revenue. They maximize their cost per action to generate revenue. Every time a user signs up, the scammers get paid. A scammer gets paid between $1 and $3 for a qualified lead based on the geographical region, age category or a new user account.

Another way of scamming users is asking them to subscribe to a ‘premium’ Snapchat account. Here the scammers earn revenue when they post not-safe-for-work (NSFW) Snaps from a more private account.

How is TikTok protecting its users? 

They say there are strict policies in place. They flag and remove the spam accounts before they reach the users account.
The number of scammers are increasing and TikTok needs to take stringent steps to wipe out these fraudulent activities.